Victoriana

:confused: Maybe your sweetheart is insecure of you taking control of yourself, and in an area that he doesn't really have control over since he has regained the weight that he lost earlier. Can you invite him to the seminar or support group that you will attend? Maybe he can read this board and find out that he may be headed for trouble in the future if he continues gaining. I think you can have your post deleted if he should read the board. I wonder if there isn't other baggage behind him not supporting you like others have said, maybe he would loose you, or that he doesn't see overweight as a true health issue. Does he think that getting banded might preclude you from children in the future? My DH was happy for the band as he wants me around to enjoy retirement with him. Please do not be afraid to be honest about your feelings with him as this is not healthy for a good relationship. Being honest with him lets him into a very intimate place with you and long term relationships usually survive because of good communication with each other. Personally I think this is more important that the issues around the band and weight.

Its only 45 minutes away and we are going to have sparkling cider and light sparklers in the front yard with the neighbors, most of us in pj's and robes. I enjoy fireworks at the Space needle but not this year, Its been pouring and I don't want to risk anything just yet. We will watch on TV and wooot at home, Heres to all of you and Delarla, and a Happy New year!!!

Dear DeLarla, Someone suggested fitday.com and it is a great website. It not only has calories, but carbs, fats etc. There is even a pie chart that tells you what percent of fats,carbs etc. for your daily intake, great for people on Atkins and So Beach Diet. You can journal your food intake and create foo "labels" for foods that you eat often that are not already on their list. Check it out, Its a great tool!

I need an update, are you doing any better? I hope so, I was told to put down my fork after each bite. I was also told, no TV, no distractions while eating, as you tend to enjoy the eating experience better. I hope you are doing better, I really do. I think I may be in your shoes in 2 weeks when I get my first fill. Take care.

I have always had a protein shake once in a while as I find them very satisfies and fulfilling. I have used them when I'm in a hurry and must get something down, carry out. It helps me avoid fast foods. I don't like getting hungry as I don't have a lot of will power, and I end up overeating in the long run. I also use meds and need to have something on my stomach to keep them down, or else it feels like they are sticking to my esophagus. There are a lot of reasons to use them once in a while, its just that our diets need to be varied to get in all of the kinds of nutrition, not just protein.

Count me in too! Ive heard that it takes 6 weeks to start or break a habit and 17 weeks to make something second nature. so Im on board, or Im on the band wagon! HE, HE, Im also printing the challeng and putting it on my Fridge, My biggest foe will be marked and targeted, Im loaded and locked. Wooooooot, Woooooooooooot!!

Hola amigo, just remember that most of the population GAINS during the Holidays. Consider it victory that you stayed the same, for goodness sakes! And about the present thing, Go out and get yourself something you want then tell them all that you did! Don't skimp either! After all you are worth it, and maybe next year folks will "have enough time". This happened to me a couple of times. Then one year in January I had a heart incident and landed in the Hosp. 11 mo later, everyone remembered me one way or another at Christmas. Sometimes people get complacent about relationships without ever meaning it, try not to think of is as rejection of you but rather they are a tad bit irresponsible! and yea blah, blah, blah, Christmas is a time of remembering and loving and giving. But true Christmas lives in our heart every single day of the year!

Hi, I'm wondering where everyone went! I was banded Nov 28, and so far I'm down 23 lbs, pre and post op. I usually gain weight over the holidays so I am pretty happy. I get my first fill in 2 weeks. This sight helps me remain focused on what I am eating and doing since I'm banded and I really appreciate it.

No, check out the poll on what did you pay for your lap band, That bill is in error, Ask the billing dept from the surgery center for an itemized bill where it list all the items used including paper clips Ha. Then you can see why the charge is so high and contest it. This is outrageous!!

Having tried all I could on my own, including diet and exercise, the lap band was my only hope. Leigh Ann is right, check with the recruiters, and also check out a new Dr. It hard to believe that a Dr. calls this the lazy way out! I would can that one in a heartbeat, or a New York Minute, Whichever is faster! I'm proud of you for belong proactive!

I'm glad you are wearing a mask. What I do during flu season is standard operating procedure every year. I usu only disposable cups, use paper towels in the bathroom. I told everyone how many things get put into the air when they flush and guess what sits exposed on the bathroom counter(toothbrushes), so close the lid when you flush! Then, I sterilize dishes in the dishwasher, and the sick person is isolated as much as possible. I also tell everyone that this is only temporary insanity so bear with me and cooperate. As mom and primary caregiver to the sick, I keep way up on my fluids, eat something with vitamin c everyday, and keep well rested. I am freaked out about the (possible) upcoming bird flu pandemic, and want to be able to practice good, if not crazy hygiene.

There are many surgeries that look like the lap band, and when I showed my sister my cuts, her first reaction was to lift her shirt and say when did you get your gallbladder out, and I said I didn't. I was shocked to see the identical cuts on her! Then I mentioned the lap band, and she was surprised too! My Dr. said in my post op visit that I couldn't exercise except for walking. I asked why since I was feeling so good and he said to just think of yourself as having had a knife fight and surviving. Maybe you can say "I was in a rumble and My opponent had 2 knives against my one. Let them chew on that one. "

I was wondering, I read where some people have their ports in different places. Did anyone tell their DR. where they wanted it or is this totally up to the surgeon? Where is your port placed and does it interfere with certain movements? Mine is 3 fingers below my right ribcage. sometimes when I bend over like tieing my shoes it hurts because I bunch it up under my ribs. Is this common?

I got my check!! that was the easiest 50 i ever made. thaaannk yooou for tip!

Dear Sunta, I dont know how old you are but time plus weight will bring health issues if you do not address the weight. I believed like you once that my witght would not hurt me comming from a large family. I did not know that my sleep, energy, emotional affect and finances were being affected by my weight as much as they were. I encourage you to loose the weight even if you do not use the band.

yummy for the tummy

I hope all goes well, you are doing the right thing.

I agree that the fleet enema is very helpfull. It softens and lubricates, and cleanses very effectively. It comes in 3 sizes. Child, Adult, and Extra volumn. It works quickly and it is not uncomfortable. Warm the bottle slightly to get the chill off. Be carefull, do NOT everheat. Set the bottle in a sink full of hot water and keep shaking the bottle to check the temperature. I think this is the most humane method. Ask your Dr.

What a brave and sweet girl, she has a lot of courage. Would she want to read some of the post? Some times the distraction helps. Can she get in some extra sleep? Do you think that she can do something outside the house, perhaps the library? Visit the Pets at a shelter or pet store? I tried everything to keep my mind off my tummy, even though it reminded me often enough! How about a deep massage from a spa? I think the last one is a bit pricey but it sure feels good! It could be a start for loving her body. I agree that the protien drinks are very sustaining. How about getting into beadwork? Making bracelets and earrings and stuff. Its lots of fun, she probably already does most of these things but anything to distract could help. We are all pulling for her!

P.S. Im so proud of you, you were banded after me, and you have lost more weight than me already!! You go girl, and I mean that literally! Good job!

Hummos is a blend of tahinni(crushed sesame seed) and ground up chick peas, sometimes called garbonzo beans. There are roasted garlic types, ground olive types and some peppery types for starters. a lot of different stores have different brands. The containers are usually small so its ok to experiment. It is often used on warm fresh pita bread, sometimes fallafel, salads and crackers Its Mediteranian in orgin. have fun!

WOW Ladies! Ican only say Im so sorry for your bad experiences, my heart goes out to you. It shows me just how vigilant we need to be when working with this band. I still havent had a fill and I cant feel the band at all, I hope this is normal. It seems that you had some internal intuition, and you followed that lead. I hope I can be as astute as you are. Thank you for your care for us in sharing your experiences. Ill remember you in my prayers.

I believe you are being hard on yourself, and I do believe that it is important to look at truth and recognize problems and try to resolve issues. There is definate baggage when moslestation is involved and counseling can help you take the power that was taken from you when you were victimized.(unfortunately there is a little experience with this) You are worth following through on this point, even if it is a little way down the road. As Jack said its about baby steps. Pat yourself on the back as you have already taken HUGE steps in correcting the things that have taken away your happiness. You also mentioned mood swings, and there is a possiblilty of chemical imbalances that can be corrected with proper meds. You are very courageous because you are not afraid of self examination and you have to give yourself credit for this. There are tons of people that refuse to take responsibility for thier own happiness, It is truly a choice and when people dont believe that, then they dont even try to make choices or make changes. Its called POV or perception of victimization. It can truly disable anyone that has been traumatized. Can you see that you have started to make changes and that is usually pretty scary for most people. There is a line in a song that says it takes a little while to turn the Titanic around. What I like to remember is that one very small rudder (compared to the size of the Titanic) actually can and does turn lots of Titanic sized ships around. Mercedes, you have given yourself the gift of wings.

At first the out of pocket was $8.ooo.oo and I am waiting for insurance to reemburse me. I had pre approval but my clinic wanted thier cut up front. I could not have done this without insurance as I know my clinic charges $19.5000 now, but when I first started investigating thier charge was $17.500. This pays the Hospital, anesthesia,surgeon,and 1 full year of follow-up appt including all fills and unfills. I think that this is very comprehensive as I also had the pre op phyc eval, nutrition eval, and Surgeon eval wrapped up in this charge. I had to pay my co-op charges for Cardioligist, sleep study (found to have apnea and needed c-pap), and primary care approval. My cardiologist needed bloodwork and nuclear scan of my heart to clear me for the band. He was extreamly happy that I chose this option, he wouldn't clear me for a bypas or rny surgery.

I believe you would get a fever, If you can see where your port is and it is sticking out as much as I envision it, I would also get a second opinion. My port reminds me that is it there whenever I bend over to tie my shoes. but usually I forget that it is even there.